Robert Lefkowitz is interested in the molecular and regulatory properties of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Lefkowitz and his team focus on understanding how cell signaling is mediated through GPCRs and their transducers, the G proteins and the beta-arrestins. As model systems, the team uses two receptors of major cardiovascular significance – the beta-adrenergic receptor and the antiotensin II type 1 receptor. Techniques employed range from biophysics to pharmacology to cell biology to animal disease models.
HHMI’s Robert Lefkowitz shares prize with Brian Kobilka for research on G-protein coupled receptors. Lefkowitz honored for elucidating the major receptor system that mediates the response of cells and organs to drugs and hormones.